Ducks defeat Blackhawks 4-1: Recap, full highlights

By Mike Dyce | May 17, 2015

May 17, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Kyle Palmieri (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period in game one of the Western Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Anaheim Ducks got a big win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the first game of the Western Conference Finals.

The Anaheim Ducks hosted the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, both teams looking to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Both teams were pretty dominant in the first two rounds, losing three games between the two of them.

The Ducks get the advantage and the home-ice as the team with better regular season record, and in a series that is bound to be close that could be a huge factor.

The Ducks got things going early on, with Hampus Lindholm scoring midway through the first period to take the lead. It was a beautiful shot from the blue line that made its way through traffic to get into the back of the net.

Early in the second period the Ducks extended their lead thanks to Kyle Palmieri. This was a more bizarre goal with a pass from behind the net going towards the front of the net, and Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford tried to clear it by redirecting it. Unfortunately that was towards the stick of Pamieri, who was able to put it back on goal quickly.

In the final minute of the second period, Blackhawks’ Brad Richards took matters into his own hand to get Chicago on the board. He picked the pocket of Ducks defenseman
Francois Beauchemin, then spun quickly to face the goal and get the shot off.

It was a rather impressive play.

Ducks center Nate Thompson scored midway through the third period to put the dagger on the game. Crawford made a save and the puck just bounced right back into the slot, one Ducks player missed it but it trickled to Thompson who didn’t.

In the final moments of the game, the Blackhawks pulled their goalie in a desperate attempt to tie the game and force overtime. The Ducks got a 2-on-1 break and nearly scored with the puck hitting the post of the open net.

It conveniently came back at the Ducks player who is in a mass of bodies as Blackhawks defenders tried to keep the puck from going it, it bounced off someone and ended up going into the back of the net for a fourth goal.

Ducks right-winger Jakob Silfverberg was credited with the goal.

Game 2 will be on Tuesday night, at 9:00 PM ET on NBC Sports Network.

More from Anaheim Ducks

Home/Anaheim Ducks